My Opinions on Splitting, Batoning, FeatherSticks, Tinder and Flame Working Time

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

good video. as to batoning being a you tube/social media invention: splitting wood with a hand held blade dates back to the 16th century when both "L" shaped tools as well as straight, or slightly offset tool handles called FROE, ( shortened from old English Froeward or"turned away") used for crafting as well as primitive fire building. and it was not uncommon for travelers to use their primary blade when a froe was not part of their travel gear. ( all those years in the SCA were good for something)

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and very well said! Folks claim its a KZbin invention only but I had a feeling some form of it was done for years and years.

[@keithcronk7980]

Other Than Intended Purpose THANK YOU FOR THAT INTEL. MAYBE DAVE CRANBERRY CREW & HIM WILL GET THAT THREW THEIR HEADS. GREAT RESEARCH.

[@ericblair3009]

The SCA has been very good for education on history in general and skills in building stuff AND FOOD... yum yum.... as well as medical. It is always funny when you have kids raised in the middle ages [SCA smalls] and they correct their teachers in school when they talk about those days and get it wrong..... GREAT video as expected!

[@themoodybobby1]

Hahahaha looks like somebody is butthurt over Dave Canterbury LMAO. What in the world does Dave Canterbury have to do with this particular video or comment? If you don't like him don't watch him and I promise you will be much happier.

[@1.forestrunner]

You can go way further back...Vikings(700 A.D.+) used tools like a froe/frow to split wood way before the 16th century. The German Tribes used bronze wedges to split wood during the bronze age. The only thing you can credit KZbin is to have created a certain group of people who exchange skills/knowledge on an internet platform...which is not always a good thing!?

[@jerseyanusa2420]

Please don't apologize for explaining it in very simple terms. No one else is doing it at such a basic, logical level!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I try n tell it like it is!

[@joshbreeze1865]

Also keep attaching what you want to your rig! From being a Bomb Tech you what your tools with you down range! I have a rig on my Mora, and LOVE it.

[@arsenemercere8059]

The thing that I love about your channel, Dave, is that you're never afraid to admit when you've done something dumb, like cutting yourself while batoning small pieces. You aren't afraid to show failure, just so that you can show how to work around that. That there, my friend, is humility, and something that I like about you.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I figure I have to show it all, good bad, ugly failures and successes. That's what life is made of and that is what keeps it real!

[@JamieHitt]

I have yet to be disappointed with a Dave Pearson video. Always great stuff.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Great to hear Jamie!

[@henrysinclair4964]

It's a long 48 min video and I loved every second of it. It's got everything, informative, honest, humorous, practical while being entertaining.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Henry! I'm glad you liked it brother

[@jeffreyarnold2626]

showing what will work, and that which won't, is actually more instructive than watching an unrealistic, success every time. this could save someone much time in failure. in a need it to work now situation, failure could be catastrophic. great lesson to be learned. thank you for pointing these facts out Dave.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well said Jeffrey! When other edit their videos to only show success it depresses others who can't get it done every time. I think it's valuable to show how to recover from a failure.

[@coasthome8356]

You are just a natural born teacher, Dave. You sure get through to me, and got me back into playing in the woods, not just walking through it for ‘exercise’. Thanks!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you and that's fantastic to hear!

[@nwprimate6416]

Good stuff David! There was a ton of great info, and I especially appreciated you addressing the issue of people practicing or demonstrating with saw-cut ends on ideal platforms. A while back, I realized how reliant I was on my saws for breaking down wood and decided to try going without them for a while. Living in the wet Pacific Northwest, split wood is essentially mandatory for half the year, and I learned a lot making hundreds of fires with just knives and machetes. The biggest take-away is probably how much of an advantage it is to have a saw. 😆 Not having the ability to quickly create flat surfaces really makes you adapt your approach. Outside of the obvious bucking challenges, splitting jagged ends on a round work surface is a very different skill set than working on an ideal stump top with neatly sawed rounds. I don't know if I have ever seen this addressed this way before, so thanks for bringing a healthy dose of reality to your always entertaining videos. 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very very well said brother! I'll admit, I have realized Im addicted to my folding saws too. It just makes life easier and to me, only the experienced is willing to admit it. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother!

[@JimRodgers]

NW Primate I really enjoy your PNW perspective on fire making. Sometimes it's tough to do in the conditions we have up here.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Jim! 🙂

[@framerguy]

@NWP from the PNW - You really get an instant reality check when you hike in a few miles only to discover that you inadvertently left your folding saw lying on the workbench at home!! I have a similar type of wet soggy woods down here in the diagonal SE corner from y'all. I quickly learned to "improvise" on that trip and it worked to get me through the weekend. I did have a small double bitted "saddle cruiser" with me so I could process down wood into workable lengths. the challenge was how to get it smaller without that cherished flat spot to work from. I found the answer on the blowdown I was trying to process into firewood, I tried wedging a 4" diameter chunk of the trunk into a fork formed by a branch and the higher trunk of that blowdown! It slipped the first few times I tried it but I managed to get one piece split with the saddle cruiser and finally got a half dozen chunks processed down where they were manageable for me to get a nice fire going. One thing we are "rich" with is fatwood. SYPine is so resinous that it makes very poor firewood simply because of the dense black smoke it emanates when burned. But almost any downed yellow pine will render fatwood from either a damage spot or a branch fork. I have no doubt that a buck rub on a yellow pine will heal as fatwood in a year or so! You probably have spruce or white cedar in your area, and those needles make some very good tinder also. I favor the green needles myself if they are not wet. We have eastern red cedar here which also does an OK job of creating instant fire with the smallest of char cloth coals. [I am an avid fire piston user, hence the mention of char cloth].

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks for the great info OldLeatherGuy! Fatwood and cedar sure to make things easier! 🙂👍

[@oldgoat8861]

I really enjoyed this video. I'm a 60yr old farm boy....and you showed what so many have forgotten in a short video...with fun and humor.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you my friend!

[@hikerdaven.e.bigfoot9443]

I've learned alot watching your video's. I often take day hikes and will set up a nice area, tarp it off, make lunch and just enjoy the woods. I pack whatever i feel like for that day, no ultra light pack for me. I was glad you showed the fire not lighting perfectly. Most guys would leave that out of their video. It's reality in its purist form. Thank you Dave. There should be more channels like yours but that's why i enjoy your vids. Honesty. Thanks again Dave 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Great to hear that Dave! You and I think a lot alike. Even if I don't have time to camp I'll at least try to get out and cook and enjoy the outdoors. I'm so happy you like my channel so much. If you see it on my channel, it's for real! Thanks for watching brother

[@markgibbs904]

Your videos are the real deal. From this one I realized that wood matches are always square, can't say I've ever seen a round one. Thanks for leading me to Mors and Lofty.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you like the way I do things Mark. Mors and Lofty will never steer you wrong! Thanks for watching

[@dianapen721]

Dave, been a long time follower, if I can call myself that! I was taking a look at your videos lately and I remember when they were posted...then I am baffled when I see they've been posted 3-5-6 years ago but I remember them like it was yesterday! Just wanted to thank you big time for your teachings and the fact that you bring a lot of common sense into the camping/survival/whatever communities follow you. Keep up the good work and thanks once again!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for watching for so long. A friend once told me about enjoying life. The days turn into weeks, the weeks turn into months, and the months turns into years. Those years become your life. So start by enjoying the days!

[@thomaspigg306]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos, and either learn something new or am reminded of lessons my Father (Born 1916-Deid 1990) taught me when I was "young-in" (as he use to say). Spent many a day and night out hunting and camping. I always tried to pay heed to what he said and done, because as he said, "You never can tell when this little bit of information might help save your life….. BOY!!!!". Thank You so much for your wonderful videos and please keep them coming. Wither in your basement, yard or in the woods, I enjoy watching the videos.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you like them all Thomas. Man your dad had the greatest saying of all " You never can tell when this info may save you!" Thanks for watching

[@TheTahoeJohn]

Dave, you never cease to amaze me. This video is one I unknowingly have been waiting for a long time. When I saw the title I knew you had hit it out of the park. This video NEEDS to go viral in the bushcrafting / survival community to set things straight. My grand father taught me the art of batoning 40 years ago, long before KZbin. He used a straight blade that he had been forged by his father. It was a rectangle shaped piece of metal (no point on the end) with basically a grind on one side of the "blade". He would sharpen in on a foot peddled grinding stone. I think he called it a fro. I cannot tell you how many hours over years I spent splitting wood into small pieces for stating fires in the old cookstove and the woodstove. Thank god he did know about feather sticks, that would have taken up all my fishing and hunting time. I was lucky enough to have inherited it when he passed as it has been in the family since the early 1900s. Thank you Dave, Peace Brother!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Brother John that is fantastic to hear! I love hearing stories of just how far back batoning goes. I would love for this video to go viral but it probably won't. I'm just not a huge popular youtuber yet.

[@CreativeRedundancy]

Thank you for taking the time to clear things up and demo of "flame working time" with examples of the differences. Another example why creating feather sticks is good skill to know how to do

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and I'm happy you liked it all!

[@Wintertrekker]

Good discussion and demo Dave! Over 45 years ago when I was a wee lad at summer camp, with our belt knives we were battoning small pieces into what we called "toothpicks"..."making toothpicks" is what we always said. That was long before KZbin was around haha! Us kids did not have saws or machetes, so all the big wood was cut and split first with an axe (and all the wood looked like that real forest wood you showed). The camp I went to had no gas stoves either, so all our canoe trip cooking was done on fires, and many a time we made "toothpicks" to get the fire going (they were usually much larger than real toothpicks, but we made them as fine as possible). We always had a competition for the one-match fire too, so those toothpicks were prepped with tender loving care to get that first catch from the match!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well said brother! That's the best statement Ive ever heard of the subject. Use and axe to split the big stuff then split the smaller stuff even finer with a knife. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching Brother

[@allenwhite6946]

Yep! same here was in the boyscouts back in the 70's and 80's and it cracks me up that some of these wannabe bushcrafters/survivalist only talk about using bow drills for fire, there is only a select few that actually show how to start a fire with rubbing two sticks together or with rocks, lost arts

[@triplehornsheep2419]

Girl Scouts did the same thing. It's where I learned to do the one match fire. Great video, as always!

[@ronlittle6397]

This is the only video that actually goes into detail on fire fail scenario.great video that uses real life situations.thanks Dave.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I try to cover every detail possible. I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching Ron!

[@Winnie122459]

Excellent video that shows real world use of the tools that one uses in the woods

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm happy you liked it that much Jeff!

[@trynsurviven2440]

Anybody that says they have never failed to get a fire started is either using a flammable liquid (which can still fail) or fibbing their hind end off. Thank you Dave for keeping it real.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

LOL, aint that the truth!. Thanks for watching

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Another fine dose of reality for us. You had very good weather to work with for fire starting; many another day would have been even more frustrating. And you made things harder by not having a typical 'birds nest' tinder bundle of composite materials. Many of us will have seen that fluffy 'tinder flash' but not known of the 'working time' concept. The point that level, broad chopping blocks are not found where wood has not been sawn often goes unremarked by viewers--even old hands. The realistic look at batoning dead standing or dry fallen wood was first-rate. I am a fan of using simple joinery for raised beds and cooking cranes and even for longer-term shelter construction. I LOVED that material. Not only was I reminded of things, I learned even more from this video.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks James. Normally I do use two stage tinder , grass bundles and birds nests. I showed what I did with fluff and small featherstcks to get the point across about flame working time. Lol, man I got so sick of seeing them "a knife is all you have" videos then they showed a huge perfectly sawed hunk o wood! Take care and thanks for watching James

[@skaybaltimore]

I'm totally new to any sort of bush crafting/survival skills. I was never a scout and was never in the armed forces. I'm starting from ground zero. And I have to say...watching your video where the attempts to start a fire DIDN'T work was extremely helpful to me. Why? Because in all likelihood, that's exactly what I'm going to experience at first. And possibly even further down the road. So only watching successful videos would undoubtedly make me very frustrated when my attempts are failing. Watching THIS video showed me that even an experienced woodsman does not achieve 100% success all the time. Thanks for this, and all your other videos. (Sometimes I wish they were a little shorter and more organized but that's part of your "style" and you definitely know your stuff!!)

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm happy to have you here and yes, most videos are edited to only show successes. I film it as it happens, that keeps it as real as possible. Thanks for watching and see ya in the next one

[@skaybaltimore]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 You definitely keep it real. That's what's so great about your videos. (And the gear you recommend works! I purchased a nice carbon steel Morakniv Companion HD and it's great.)

[@Jamal_Tyrone]

I've started using the Survival Russia (Lars) technique of carrying a fire kit with bicycle inner tube and lighters for my fire making, but I've just learned why a fire I tried to make in the woods died out even with a tinder that has a very good flame working time. It was because I put on twigs instead of batoned wood most likely.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very cool you've experienced that! The tinder can be good but some twigs are just plain bad. Thanks for watching Jamal!

[@jeanetteswalberg6166]

Can we just talk for a second about LIFE CHANGING vids for beginners like me?!? In the first five minutes of this vid, I got the answers to several questions/problems I experienced only last night! Thank you! Keep up the great work.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Now that's fantastic to hear Jeanette!

[@Ladythyme]

Fabulous! It definitely ALL makes more sense when you explain it that way! Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge... it is so appreciated!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked how I did it!

[@johngray9702]

I love that you show how things dont always work . But if you dont give up you can get it. Thank you again for your AWESOME videos.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks John, I'm glad you like the videos and how I do things. I show the good and the bad. That's the only way to keep it real

[@engagevictory7363]

This was an awesome video, first of its kind that laid out the bare bones on all these issues. I love your honesty and enjoy your content, a fan of yours in North Carolina be safe and be blessed

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm happy you liked it that much!

[@dominickcabal5347]

When all else fails, that's when I break out my fatwood stash and scrape up some fine shavings to up my chance of success. This is a great video with sage advice from first hand experience Dave. Thanx for sharing!👍👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Well said Dom and thanks for watching Brother!

[@willybee3056]

Oops,, back in 1955, my Grandmother showed me how to baton wood for kindling , and at that time she was in her 70s.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thats really cool to hear!

[@twirlipofthemists3201]

Willy Bee A true KZbin pioneer!

[@captainfragger6295]

Outstanding, great memories are the best.

[@imhigh0013]

Always wonderful to hear from a live person who passes on direct conversation from people from previous century. This is how good knowledge and experience gets passed along.

[@nickhilker8001]

David you are a national treasure. So nice and funny and most of all informative and honest. Keep doin what you're doin.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Nick!

[@Temp0raryName]

Nicely comprehensive. And an enjoyable watch, as ever.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Mark!

[@ped832]

I never tire of watching this video even after about the 10th time. Never hurts to have a refresher course. I know I thanked you before on this one, but I'll thank you again.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that and thanks for watching again Steve!

[@earlschultz7880]

I bought a knife online, and was trying to baton some firewood, and it broke!!! Right at the where the knife slims down to go into the handle. Lesson learned - buy cheap, that's what ya get! Thanks again for the video! Didn't hurt my feelings to teach me something! God bless ya man!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Ah man! That is bad. Usually cheap or expensive I only baton small knot free wood. Thanks for watching and may God bless you too Earl

[@stephenfewson7188]

Great advise mate, thanks. G'day from Australia 🇦🇺

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Stephen!

[@danmuchoney7164]

Your videos are full of pure logic. What a gem this video is.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you my friend!

[@framerguy]

David, you are a man after my own thoughts! Why try to make an imperfect world look like one which is perfect? Show the "bloopers" 'cause they will happen along with the successes. I remember building my 1st fire piston a few years ago. I watched Robin [ aka, "nativerobin" ]do hers, and I gathered up all my "stuff" and I went to building such a simple way to make fire happen in about a half hour. Then it took me 2 MORE hours to teach myself HOW to make it happen! Now I can pump pistons with the best of them. You always leave me feeling that, no matter how successful I have been at doing some kind of bushcraft, I always come away from your videos feeling like I learned just a little bit more than I knew beforehand. Just to put things in perspective, I have been using the outdoors for my personal pleasure and adventures and challenges for myself to attempt for over 60 years now and I am still learning as I go. And I still have enough humility for me to give kudos where they belong. So KUDOS to you Dear God for placing all of this splendor at our fingertips for all of us to enjoy. And KUDOS to you David, for sharing your experiences with us!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Good to hear we think a like! Theres hundreds of methods and tinders for fire starting. Yes, I can do em all over and over and film whats perfect but I show it as it happens. That's true reality unlike T.V. LOL. I'm glad you like the way I do things brother. Thanks for watching

[@shawncurtis6222]

Dave.I am with you 100% on your real world comments and how you show your mistakes (learning opportunities).I have been batoning since the sixties and feather sticking just as long.I just didn't know it was called batoning it was just what my grandad and and uncles and dad taught me camping in the North woods of Minnesota. And FYI my grandad was a welder and a woodsman so I feel a connection to you and your videos

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Shawn! I think it used to just be splitting wood but since its a baton you use to beat on the knife someone somewhere coined the phrase batoning. Brother your Grandad was somebody I would have loved to have known!

[@jessiemckinney1104]

Love all your video's dave. They always are intertaining and educational thank you.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you like them all Jessie.

[@cassandralibertywest4310]

You are always calm, intelligent and instructive. Anyone, even someone with limited skills like I am can understand your instructions, and 'why' you teach the way you do. Another good one, Dave. THANK you!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

That's fantastic to hear Cassandra and I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@cassandralibertywest4310]

Thank YOU for making these videos!

[@sackett68]

Great video. Best one ive seen on the subject. Well done sir.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you!

[@adriancarabajal]

Dave, if you read all this comments, you realize that you can go to sleep with a smile in your face, you're helping a lot of people and just for the sake of it, thanks my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I try to read all the comments eventually. Oh yes it's a great feeling knowing I'm helping others!

[@hikerdaven.e.bigfoot9443]

Another great video Dave. A jewel of a video you mite say. Thank you dave, always click on your videos as soon as i see a new one. 👍👍👍👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Dave! I'm glad you like em all

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

That cat has a lot of love for you...LOL. Enjoyed this, how many tries have I made in fire starting and just get plain shot down. The only time I heard the word batoning growing up was a Majoret with that twirling thing loved watching that. You did cover a lot of things that are important and helpful. Thanks, Dave and have a Happy Fathers Day.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol! Ah that cat loves everyone. Usually the thing used to beat on a froe through wood is a baton. I guess when folks started beating knives with sticks the label batoning caught on. Thanks for watching y'all!

[@JimRodgers]

Lots of places that I venture into for primitive camping are along popular trails and get heavily used. It's difficult to find small material and kindling because the area is fairly picked over. Batoning allows us to create kindling and smaller material from large pieces to get fires going. Batoning definitely has its place.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well said Jim! I totally forgot about so many people experiencing that.

[@Woodchuckinthesouth]

Great video! I like how you spoke reality with the "no flat edges on the end of your logs" discussion. And the talk about flash tinder, and flame working time... One thing that I've been doing to help extend the life of my ferro rod is to stuff my feather sticks with tinder. Cattail fluff or unraveled jute twine... One strike and it's working. 👍 Salt of the earth, you are. Thank you for all your videos! (And I bet few people think about the usefulness of batoning for shelter building. Lol)

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm happy you liked it. Man that's always driven me insane when folks show them big sawed flat logs then proceed to show us all how to baton that wood when a knife is all we have. That's not how it looks! Now normally I do combine fluff n feathers for tinder. What I did in this video was to show the concept of flame working time. Thanks for watching

[@davehogg63]

Hi Dave, honest and realistic as usual. The point you made best is that we all have do deal with reality

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks you Dave! And well said brother.

[@g.e.t.managementllc6115]

Great video, David! I wouldn't worry much about others being insulted; they're free to believe and do as they wish. My father once told me that wisdom comes from experience and experience comes from failure. How you deal with failure is the real measure of a man. Besides, they can always carry a radial arm saw and a blow torch into the woods, but then they'd have no room for their trail mix! Thanks for the video - Doc Tom

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Tom, I'm glad you liked it. Failure is expected and no big deal. Being able to recover from it is what matters. Thanks for watching Brother!

[@hammer9390]

GREAT VIDEO! Should be the final answer on batoning.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks!

[@lesliehunt2117]

I love your videos little brother! Mostly because of your transparency. I love that you show that you don't always get a fire the first time. If it is a matter of survival you will keep trying. If you don't know that all of your hard work can fail the first time then you can panic. Gotta keep trying. Thanks again!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Sis! I'm glad you liked it and the way I do things. Showing the good AND bad is the only way of showing reality! Thanks for watching Leslie

[@chiefkirk]

Dave my opinion is simple. Many roads lead to the same place. You choose the one you like to travel. If you don't like to baton then simply don't. If you prefer an ax, use it. If you like machetes use them. No need to criticize folks because they do things differently. Don't matter to me if you drive a Ford or a Chevy as long as it gets you to church on time. You did a good job and didn't criticize anyone. Just stated your experience. Well done my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well said!

[@ourtechwriter]

Dave, You are The Man! I definitely appreciate your honesty and earnestness. An inspiration to us all.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Great to hear!

[@HalfQ]

Boom, point taken, well lets hope lol. I set my gear up depending on what I'm doing. Tbh Dave, I just use what I have to hand and get her done. Spending real time outdoors and using these methods is the only way to learn. Sharp edges rule the fire. It's so wet here in Wales I use moss over the fire when it's first lit to keep the rain off. It's smoky but it doesn't go out. I have often steamed fish in the hot damp moss while the fire gets going. Cya next time Dave.

[@keithcronk7980]

HalfQ GLAD URE HERE. STAY AWHILE BROTHER.

[@HalfQ]

Thanks man but I been here for what feels like 10 years, Probs less, just feels a long time lol. Thanks again brother.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Well said! Man that's very cool you steamed fish with wet moss!

[@igitahimsa5871]

The more I watch your videos the more I appreciate yourself and them. I am always digging back toward the "why" of doing things and how the method evolved, and you have never yet failed to cover it. Thank you for yet *another* excellent teaching video.. So glad I subscribed to your channel.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for the sub and the views. Its great to hear you like what all I do so much!

[@MaffTUK]

your going to get some amazing comments Dave so i'm going to keep this short Quote "you do it because you enjoy it" Dave , that is exactly right. nuf said :-) fantastic info as always.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well stated! Thanks for watching Maff

[@jerryprice5484]

I see that you're a Condor fan as well, Excellent edged weapons from those folks. Mora is another good one. You really cleared the air about batoning, thanks a lot.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Oh yes, I'm a big fan of Condor and Mora. Take care and thanks for watching Jerry

[@mrkawabunga3948]

I love how occasionally a cat just strolls through :)

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol, they think they own the place.

[@djtblizzle]

“Well neither one worked...” 😂😂😂 Brother your quotes crack me up!!! I would be absolutely honored to be able to spend time in the woods with you. It would be a blast! 😂👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol, man I'm a real hoot to camp with! Thanks for watching brother

[@djtblizzle]

Reallybigmonkey1 When Covid is done screwing things up, let’s make it happen! 😂😊

[@MrJimmuck]

Hi there David from a sunny Scotland. Some nice experience showing through in this video. Next time can you get a second camera just aimed at your face so we can see the frustration when the feathers wont catch or the fire goes out!!! Just kidding you. I too carry a machete with a knife attached … usually my Ka Bar Cutlass with a Bushlore. I also will have a neck knife which is always my Wessex Blades custom knife. I don't use an axe as I think they are accidents waiting to happen. You take care brother and I look forward to the next "Dave adventure! …. atb Jim

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello Jim! I'm glad you liked it. LOL, ah not too much frustration because I know at any time fire starting can fail. That's so cool how you carry your blades! I hear ya on the axes, man you gotta be careful with them. Thanks for watching

[@oldcodger3509]

Yet another super video Dave!!! Your explanation followed by a demonstration is supurb...certainly demonstrates the advantages of curls/batoned wood vice fluff and twigs! Thanks again for helping 'newbies' like myself learn something new and valuable! Safe bushcrafting to you and yours ALWAYS!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful! Thanks for watching

[@mangojack1]

Good stuff! Appreciate the knowledge ,thank you for all the work You put into these videos. I have yet to buy my first machete, was thinking of an Ontario, when I do. I want to try one of Your combo ideas with a mora knife I have here when I pick one up

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Scot! Be sure and take a look at Condors and Kabars too. Thanks for watching

[@framerguy]

Take some advice Scott, [it's probably worth every cent of what you have to pay for it], and don't even look at the Gerber sawback machete no matter how cheap it sounds like it is priced! I inherited one from my younger brother new in the box and, after putting a workable edge on it, I took it on a weekend camping trip with my dog and me just traipsing around in the woods. While gathering firewood, I came upon a blowdown and decided to take some branches for starter wood for a fire go get a quick buildup of flames for the larger fuel. It happened to be a So. yellow pine and quite full of resin AND had been downed for quite some time. Well, the very first chop I took with this Gerber, I felt it before I saw it but I heard a dull loud "thunk". When I lifted the machete up to see what was up, I saw a portion of the blade I just worked on to get it to a point where it was good to go rolled over at least by 1/4" to the side and for a length of over a half inch of the cutting edge! Now I have a local reputation for scary sharp edges to the point where nobody even asks me to use any of my knives or axes on a camping trip for fear they will lose a finger in the process. [It's actually a cheap ploy to get the "old guy" to do all the cutting and chopping but I don't mind one bit] Anyway, until I get more information on this, I will assume that this machete was a "slip up" during the manufacturing process, but I don't know if Gerber will even believe my story even though I have no earthly reason to make up such a humiliating story. But we will see if they like the closeup photos of the edge of this machete enough to replace it because it doesn't have the temper in it of a new butter knife in my opinion. I actually like the Kabar machete a lot and your choice of an Ontario would also do for general usage. Good luck in your decision and enjoy whatever you come up with, it's all good at the end of the day when that fire is crackling and those stars are twinkling back atcha and all is right with your world .......

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for that input brother!

[@mangojack1]

Your welcome man, just love Your videos just some real good advice and all useful can’t wait to get camping and try out some stuff

[@shibosuru]

I like how he left the failure in the video and didn't edit it out. Great video lots of good info

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks. Good or bad it all stays in the video. That's the only way to keep it real

[@tyliful]

great vid. very informative. you should have bushcraft/outdoor living class.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks!I'm happy you liked it. Now that sounds good!

[@terryfinley7760]

The best, most comprehensive video I have seen on the subject! 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Terry!

[@REAPERMILITIAOUTDOORS]

Flippin love this channel one of the best. FUN IN THE WOODS.🤘🤘👍👍 I love my tools use them if ya got them.🔥🔥

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks!

[@rangefinder3538]

You are a great teacher! And you just taught me so much about the real life experience of fire making. Thank you!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Great to hear that and I'm glad it helped!

[@yotagerlie]

You rock!!! Love this so true. I myself felt it was foolish of folks to show sawed wood when Suposidly they only have a knife. Cuz I've done if with just a knife and... Its a c u next Tuesday! To be blunt lol

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Katie! We do think alike! Im glad you noticed those other videos. That's just not how it looks. Thanks for watching!

[@yotagerlie]

Thanks for subbing too 😊

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Im happy to sub you my friend!

[@mattg6136]

Totally agree with you. As a kid I was practically a pyromaniac, always outside in the parks woods, basicaly everywhere. Some people you see on YT trying to nurture that initial flame make me cringe. You talk a a lot of sense . Lots of eople watch and enjoy your uploafs and the majority don't comment but wr/they really do enjoy and appreciate the work you ut in to them. On behalf me and omeveryone else I would like to say a big THANK YOU. ATB .

[@mattg6136]

Sorry for the elling mistakes . I should have proof read it 1st before sending. My apologies

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Matt. I think sometimes you have think nurture or blow on a flame to get it going. I try my best to prepare the tinder and kindling so it comes to life on its own. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching Matt

[@kathybutler1755]

You are GOOD!! at 5:04 splitting half a piece of kindling, you are expecting two pieces. But no, Reallybigmonkey1 splits it into FOUR pieces with a hit or two with your axe. Amazing!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol, I even shocked myself with that one! Thanks for watching Kathy

[@seanb6986]

Great explanation and demonstration! Usually people think that KZbin created batoning because almost every person who does a knife test only batons as their primary factor that decides whether the knife is good or bad, completely overlooking the fact that it’s not the quality, sharpness or grind of the blade that equates to a better performing splitting implement, it only depends on the thickness of the spine in my experience. Also, batoning straight-grained wood does no damage whatsoever to the knife, it’s usually the gritty particulates and knots on the piece of wood, and the momentum that drives the blade into the abrasive ground (either soil or concrete in some “rare” cases) and repeated heavy blows to the back of the blade with an oversized stick, that will dull and even destroy the toughest knives and axes.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and I can agree with everything you said!

[@lonewolf597]

Some cats just don't understand... batoning. LOL

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

LOL! Comment of the year

[@EdwinDekker71]

This is why I like your channel the best: common sense and lots of experience! Great job

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Edwin! I tell it like I see it brother!

[@JS-ul3ic]

Love the video Dave have to laugh when you mention cat tails for fire lighting wondered how many cats you get through 😾 but on the serious side when you you do a video you never are critical of anyone which says a lot about you, So keep up with the videos Dave A T B J👍😹

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks John, I'm happy you liked it. Lol, so far no cats tails have been harmed in videos. I try my best to never down anyone. It's much better to just show how I do things. Thanks for watching John

[@thankmelater1254]

I appreciate getting this comprehensive view of the usefulness of various procedures. It will guide my tool purchase choices and methods.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you found it helpful

[@BorealWoodsrunner]

i notice that alot of people use well seasoned wood when they do this as well which makes it look even easier lol

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Oh yes, that's the only way to go. Use dry old seasoned wood. Theres not much reason to baton fresh green wood unless its for shelter building

[@leelewis8270]

Ok. That was the best explanation of batoning and fire building I've seen in a long time. Thanks for the re-education and instruction. Take care my friend and may your machetes stay sharp!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Lee!

[@puma51921]

Axes are great but verry dangerous if you don't know your doing or tired..Most of the times in the woods when making fire you are tired.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

How true!

[@TheLordArion]

I use axes and batoning and saw & wedges. It’s all good options and I like knowing several ways of solving a problem. Think people should listen more than they talk and relax a little. Good video sir.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well said and we think alike! Always know as many methods as possible. I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching

[@DimaOPENAIR]

Hey, it's bamboo! Cool )))

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

LOL, man that stuff has taken over my fence line!

[@lapicker1010]

It's the fastest growing member of the grass family Dave!

[@burgesst44]

I need some of that bamboo for making some stuff. Lmbo . . . . . .

[@sheilablake4858]

This was a really helpful video Dave, thank you. I appreciate the demonstration, it’s so much easier to learn by watching it take place. It’s normally wet here in the U.K., so we have a lot of extra troubles lol, but this video was just great 👍 x

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm happy you liked it Sheila. Video learning always beats book learning on stuff like this. Thanks for watching

[@angusgreeneyeslefay9485]

missed ya

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Its always good to be back on here brother

[@nowakezoneforever6021]

Really enjoyed the fire-making demo because I have experienced every single one of the things you showed. I think it’s great that you left in all the reality because that’s exactly how it goes. Also, excellent job comparing round twig tinder versus sharp processed tinder. I don’t want to say fire-making is all about the prep work but at least 90% is. When I hurry thru the prep work it almost always is more difficult to start a good fire. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this and all your videos.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it and I agree with your 90% prep statement. Without proper materials prep it's gonna be rough. Take care and thanks for watching

[@yungphoenix2735]

Why do pets always seem to get in the way when you're about to do something potentially dangerous, like chopping wood! lol My dog does it, your cat did it, and I've seen plenty other's do it too

[@keithcronk7980]

yung phoenix THEY WANT TO HELP THEY ARE CURIOUS.

[@yungphoenix2735]

Keith Cronk I get that. But they literally get right up in your space the moment you are about to do something dangerous. yet they always mind their business or back up when you are doing something safe lol. Its like they are uninterested until you start swinging an axe or something haha

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

LOL, happens every time!

[@Ghost_Os]

I really feel like they recognize that you're about to do something dangerous, and are either trying to stop you, or get you to slow down and pay a little more attention. I will say that the only times I've injured myself doing things along these lines have been when my animals weren't right there "in the way"... If I feel like I don't have to worry about their safety, I bother a little less with my own, and sometimes... You get a less pleasant reminder to slow down and pay attention.

[@RoxUniverse]

Another great episode of fun in the woods! I hope you are enjoying the coffee, I’m going to go have a cup now! Thanks David⚡️🌎👍🏻🐄☕️🍀💥

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it and I'm enjoying coffee big time! Thanks for watching brother

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

Old cranky guy comment - Where I find large wood , I find small wood / tree branches etc. - funny how that works . I can see the efficacy of batoning wood and have done so many times to acquire dry core wood or to create wooden tools and devices with a specific geometry . If the weather is lousy and I need a fire quickly to keep from freezing to death , you won't see me batoning wood and making feather sticks . In my BIG GIANT opinion , A blade in the 5-6 inch range should be able to perform batoning tasks on soft to hard wood up to 3 inches in diameter . I'm not a "hatchet guy" and find a large knife (parang - barong - golok - machete ) infinitely easier - faster and safer to use than a hatchet . A full size axe or crosscut saw is a completely different story . In freezing rain or snow -> "Cut and drag" . Don't spend a lot of time making nifty looking logs . Cut wood in lengths which can be dragged and let the fire do the work . A lot of people (particularly Americans ) might be surprised to know people like Kit Carson - Lewis and Clark ... and more than a few others preferred a large blade as opposed to a hatchet or tomahawk . I wish more people talked about a "tip stick" which is simply a safe way to hold wood upright while using a hatchet or large blade for splitting . Thanks for your video and ideas Reallybigmonkey1 . You always make a great deal of sense . Please give your cat a big hug from me ... while I do a sermon somewhere else .

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very good comments! I had no idea some of them guys from far back preferred big knives over machetes. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@UT-CLANS]

Hey Lefty Thanks for the link and thanks again for your article at GB forum . Had no idea Wild Bill Hickok - Kit Carson and many others relied on their large knives and small fixed blade . Thought Hickok was a gun fighter only and not a scout ! The M-2 compass and celestial navigation was 4 hours of great info . Have a great week & 5X5 .

[@danielbrown1632]

Good explanations of correct tool(s) for the job at hand and what to do to ensure success getting a good fire going. Thanks again for another informative and realistic film.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Daniel!

[@MrTatts64]

Q: for you Dave. Now baring in mind how little freedoms we truly enjoy these days, does the youtube "holier than thou" opinionated bunch "we are better than you" people feel that I should use my left or right hand to wipe my butt? Or should I just try to scrape it clean on a convenient sapling / tree? Jesus christ! Not often I get rattled but deciding whether or not someone should baton wood or not, kinda tells me that some people have far too few worries in life. Doesn't matter if it doesn't NEED doing, if someone gets pleasure from batoning a piece of wood etc and they are not harming anyone else in the process, then let them do it, FFS! Edit: Dave and his large chopper is a myth ;) Also, I forgot to ask which parang that is that you showed early on Dave??

[@keithcronk7980]

MrTatts64 I HOPE DAVID CANTBARRY AND CREW READS THIS AND PUKE THEIR GUTS OUT. THANK YOU BROTHER HAVING A GOOD LAUGH.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

LOL, well said! I have no idea why some folks get so upset over this. I just show what I do and how I do it and leave it at that. The first parang I showed was the Condor Bushcraft parang.

[@karencauthen2286]

Never a dull moment!! I look forward to learning more from you every week! Thank You...and Happy Father's Day!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Karen! And that's great to hear!

[@lauraweiss7875]

Another truly useful video. You never disappoint! I’m a seasoned backpacker and bushcrafter, but I always learn something from your channel.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm happy you liked it and that's great to hear Laura!

[@TheBeckazanne7]

FINALLY !!David I appreciate your videos. The silly dry humor is a great bonus. Knowledge is only as good as the avenue in which it has been obtained. Thanks for your "opinions" lol. I've learned a great deal. Keep giving us your tips and opinions and God bless.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that Becka and I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and may God bless you too

[@CoenBijpost]

I’m so done with people thinking they can tell others what not to do with their own stuff. This video is great. You tell people how to the thing they’re already going to do, and do it right. And what to look out for.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@thomasnugent3836]

Dave, Best presentation on the subject I have ever seen ! Thank you very much.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it that much Thomas!

[@GetMeThere1]

This is an AWESOME video, and I thank you for it. I've been making fires since long before you were born, and of course I always instinctively knew that wood splitting made for a better fire -- but I never thought about why. You've opened up a new world for me by putting it into words: sharps edges catch much quicker than round ones! Of course, feathersticking is a powerful technique and, it's all sharp edges -- it's a handful of sharp edges. Thanks for being so generous with your time to make a video like this -- you're creating a new generation of better fire-makers who take your information and build on it even more.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it! And well said, a lot of folks split wood but often times don't even realize why. Thanks for watching my friend

[@cmA42Amc]

Thanks as always for a great video. Nice collection of axes, machetes, etc., always love to see the knife/machete combos and sheaths you make.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it all. I am rarely without one of my combos!. Thanks for watching Brother

[@theamazingfreak]

Hi Dave, I always love your videos. No BS. I like that you included the failed fire starts because, in real life, that is what often happens. Nothing ever works perfectly first time, every time.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Tony! Brother I try to always show the good and the bad. That's the only way to keep it real. Thanks for watching brother

[@squirrelsaga949]

Great video. Learned a lot at the end about batoning your pieces down smaller and using batoned wood. I always see people using twigs. Thanks for the video.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and learned from it. Twigs do work in some situations but not guaranteed every time

[@2ndchancegeorge]

Love this video. I'm A novice in the woods and have found this one of the best videos on this subject. Well done. Excellent advice and info. The cat was funny...lol.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks George! I'm glad you liked it that much!

[@leemichel8199]

the key is: BUILD: a fire start small . take your time .plan ahead .and always . learn as many techniques as possible . and practice as much as you can until it becomes like a muscle memory .. and dont be afraid to make mistakes. just learn from them . great vid bud , god bless you and your family ...

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic thoughts Lee! My opinion has always been to know as many methods as possible. Thanks for watching and may God bless you too brother

[@davehoward6573]

Love this video Dave, I love the way you keep it real not staged for success every time.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Dave! I show the good and the bad. That's the only way to be real.

[@ratherbecamping9735]

Excellent, excellent, excellent! I haven't even finished the video yet but had to stop and comment. I love watching you and Nick out in the woods but I love these opinion/training/what not to do videos, more and more. I stopped at the point you were making about batoning with a knife making small pieces for a little wood-burning stove. These little details are so good and only learned with experience. I never thought about the act of lifting away your hand and slicing it with the blade but I have done similar things. And it always seems to happen when you get in a hurry and forget the basics of knife safety.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it that much! Yep, this stuff is learned with experience. I've succeeded and failed at a lot of stuff!

[@tdeeb6359]

You are a great teacher Dave. This is my third time watching it and finally........💡💡💡💡💡💡💡... ding ding ding...... I finally got ALL of what you are saying!!!!! Thx my new friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Terry and that's great to hear!

[@newlife155]

I think you tube hasn`t invented the skill of batoning, but I could see where you could have thought that, Batoning is derived from the french word BATON = STICK so its pretty old as Other Than Intended says also cocerning froes. Even so your information is really valuable and I learned a lot about the sharp edges on the wood and the good use of the machete.. Thanks David, you rock..

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

KZbin didn't invent it but it sure did make it popular! I'm happy you learned from the video and thanks for watching!